Variable-geometry stabilizing foot, in particular for earth-moving vehicles

Abstract

A variable-geometry stabilizing foot, in particular for earth-moving vehicles, comprising a support member (1) able to rotate about a fulcrum (3) associated with the chassis of a vehicle to be stabilized and a extendable arm (5) slidably mounted on this support member (1). A control linkage (9) is also provided, being hinged with the chassis (2) of the vehicle and with the extendable arm (5) is provided at the bottom end with a support foot (8) able to perform vertical displacements when a hydraulic jack (13) moves the support member (1) between a recovery position (15) and an operative position (16). In the recovery position (15) the stabilizing foot is thus arranged so as to be retracted and take up little space on the chassis (2) of the vehicle, while in the operative position (16), the stabilizing foot is rotated through an angle (α) towards the ground with respect to the recovery position (15). The chassis (2) of the vehicle also comprises a shaped member (14) designed to receive in abutment the support foot (8) and rotate it towards the chassis (2) when the support member (1) is brought into the recovery position (15).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Variable-geometry stabilizing foot for earth-moving vehicles, comprising: a support member (1) able to rotate about a fulcrum (3) associated with the chassis (2) of a vehicle to be stabilized; an extendable arm (5) slidably mounted on said support member (1) and provided with a support foot (8); a control linkage (9) hinged with the chassis (2) of said vehicle and with said extendable arm (5) providing slidable movement of the extendable arm (5) with said support member (1) and at the same time for causing a displacement in a substantially vertical direction (Z) of said support foot (8) when actuating means move said support member (1) between a recovery position (15) where said stabilizing foot is arranged so as to be retracted on the chassis (2) of said vehicle, and an operative position (16), where said stabilizing foot is rotated through an angle (α) towards the ground with respect to the recovery position (15), thereby bringing said support foot (8) into contact with the ground. 
     
     
       2. Stabilizing foot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis (2) of said vehicle comprises a shaped member (14) designed to receive in abutment said support foot (8) and rotate it towards said frame (2) when said support member (1) is brought into said recovery position (15) in order to reduce the space occupied by said shaped foot (8). 
     
     
       3. Stabilizing foot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis (2) of said vehicle comprises a structural member (4) having formed on a first hinge (3) designed to connect one end of said support member to the chassis of the vehicle. 
     
     
       4. Stabilizing foot as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating means comprises a hydraulic jack (13) hinged with said support member by means of a second hinge (10). 
     
     
       5. Stabilizing foot as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support member (1) has a casing and said extendable arm (5) is positioned inside the casing. 
     
     
       6. Stabilizing foot as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control linkage (9) comprises a rigid bar having a substantially straight portion (17) connected to the chassis (2) of the vehicle and a curved portion (18) connected to the extendable arm (5).